Digital Home Thoughts: dpreview.com: "Epson R-D1 Digital Rangefinder Camera"

"Among many digital camera firsts, the R-D1 is the world's first rangefinder digital camera. A rangefinder is a type of camera that has a built-in device for measuring distance based on the principles of triangulation. The photographer focuses the camera by superimposing two slightly different views of a scene with the rangefinder. In general, compared to an auto-focus system, performance does not change even if lenses are swapped, and focus can be achieved quickly, accurately and with a light level that is nearly the same as the unaided eye, even in dimly lit locations. In addition, since the field of view is not blocked by the action of a shutter as it is with a single-lens reflex camera, the photographer will not miss the decisive moment.

The R-D1 is also the world's first digital camera to accept Leica L- and M-mounts*2. As such, it offers a new platform that links the future with the past. A huge number of lens types — more than 200 — have been created and sold over the long history of photography. This camera gives twenty-first century photographers a way to use these famed lenses from our photographic heritage. The new camera gives photographers the chance to develop a new cult of photography by allowing them to resurrect their familiar old lenses in a digital world."

Ok, I have to admit it - I just don't get it. Is this super-retro design made to appeal to film photographers that are using cameras like this from the 1960's? I don't mean that as an insult, but the design looks that old - the rangefinder functionality sounds cool, although again I'm at a loss as to what it would be used for. Clearly this camera isn't aimed at someone like me, so can someone explain it to me? :-)